Wilson Combat had some classics and new products on display at TriggrCon this year. One of the new finds for me was their ammo company, Lehigh Defense Ammunition. This is some pretty cool defensive ammo that looks like the perfect defensive ammo for 1911 handguns. I’ll talk more about it shortly.
While SHOT is by far the largest gun show in the US, TriggrCon is possibly my favorite. It’s small compared to the larger exhibition shows, but it’s just right if you want to spend some quality time at each booth. SHOT is so large, I catch myself speedwalking to each booth and then between the noise, dim-light space, and thousands of people trying to migrate around you, it’s overwhelming.
TriggrCon is just small enough that you can easily spend time at each booth and take your time viewing their products. Wilson Combat’s booth was right at the front, making them hard to miss. I’m sure that was not an accident either. When you see a gun rack full of Wilson Combat ARs, and handguns, it draws you in.
I had the opportunity to visit with them at the show and on range day when where they let me shoot all their guns. That’s right, they let me shoot every gun on the table. That’s some good PR in my book!
Here’s what stood out to me at their booth.
Wilson Combat Purchased Lehigh Defense Ammo Company?
As I mentioned above, Wilson Combat had some ammo on display with their guns. Turns out they purchased Lehigh Defense back in 2021, but I guess it flew right past my radar.
Even if I had heard that somewhere, it wouldn’t have stirred up too much excitement for me. I mean it’s just another ammo company, right?
But when they placed a bucket full of bullets on the table, it caught my eye. Something was different with these bullets, which caused me to start asking questions.
Lehigh Defense has made a name for itself by designing cutting-edge bullets that perform with high precision and unique terminal ballistics. Their defensive ammo has the ability to penetrate hard objects but slow do quickly when hitting softer objects. Because of their design, they also cause a larger wound, somewhat like a hollow point.
But it’s not hollow point ammo, which is why it works so great in 1911 handguns. Because of the steep feed ramp on most 1911-style handguns, hollow point ammo often has feeding problems.
Because of the design of the Leigh Defense ammunition, this isn’t an issue.
How does it work?
Lehigh’s designs incorporate a fluid transfer concept. These rounds feature fluted noses, allowing them to push soft tissue out of the way, creating larger wound channels without the risk of over-expansion or under-penetration.
The Extreme Defense line, for example, is designed to cause maximum damage while preventing over-penetration, which is a concern with many full-metal jacket rounds. Unlike hollow points that can get clogged with material and fail to expand, Lehigh’s rounds are built to be reliable under any conditions. This is the ideal round for any defense handgun, not just 1911’s.
Multiple calibers including 9mm, .40, .45ACP, and even 5.56 NATO rounds are available from Leigh Defense ammunition.
Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0
Also taking the spotlight at TriggrCon 2024 was the Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0, an upgraded version of their highly popular EDC X9 platform.
The original EDC X9 was built for everyday carry, and this updated version only makes it better, at least in my opinion.
One of the most obvious upgrades to the EDC X9 2.0 is the one-piece barrel and compensator. No, you didn’t read that wrong, it’s one piece of metal, formed into a barrel and compensator. This kind of shakes up the traditional threaded barrels.
The new 2.0 version also features a flared mag-well, making reloads smoother and faster. This is a feature often seen on competition handguns, but when you’re in a self-defense situation, speed is just as important.
The frame has also been refined, offering a better ergonomic feel for most hand sizes. I thought the gun was comfortable to hold, and still had a hint of that 1911 feel to it. In the future, we will provide an update on which holsters are compatible with the compensated versions of the EDX X9. From what I understand, most leather Bianchi holsters that fit double-stack 1911s will fit these guns and there may be others so keep an eye out for the update.
Wilson Combat offers the new 2.0 in two different barrel lengths. The 4-inch barrel offers a more compact option for concealed carry, and the 5-inch barrel provides a little more velocity and control for those who prefer a full-size gun.
I was able to shoot several of them on range day and there was an obvious reduction in felt recoil. According to Wilson Combat, the 4-inch version has a 20% reduction in recoil while the 5-inch offers a 30% reduction rate.
EDC X9 2.0 Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Lengths: 4 inches or 5 inches (with compensator)
- Magazine Capacity: 15+1 or 18+1
- Weight (Unloaded): 29.09 ounces
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Grips: Starburst G10
- Trigger: 3.5 – 4.5 pounds
- Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Battlesight Rear
- Finish: Black Armor-Tuff
Pritty gun for a pretty penny?
Wilson Combat guns have a reputation for being high-quality and one of the best-looking guns out there. I’ve admired the EDC X9 for years, and the 2.0 makes me want one even more. But how much are you willing to spend on a handgun?
Everyone has a different price, but just about everyone must admit, this is a high-dollar gun. Retailing for just over $3,000, you must really be invested to spend that kind of money on a handgun. At first, this sounds like a high amount to spend on a firearm, especially a handgun. But the more it’s in your hands, the more you want it.
I’m not saying I’ll ever have that kind of money to spend on one handgun, but I’m also not ruling out the possibility of finding a way to buy it someday. It’s just a great-feeling gun and the new features make it even better. Check it out and see what you think. And don’t forget to add some of that ammo to your order as well.
